cells4.energy is a real-world laboratory for 100% renewable energy systems, consisting of the lighthouse project cells4.energy and the innovation lab act4.energy next level. At its core lies the systemic energy cell approach, where locally generated renewable energy is intelligently stored, utilized, and interconnected with other cells. Through digital technologies and innovative business models, we test in real-world environments how a flexible, resilient, and scalable energy supply can be achieved for the future.
cells4.energy is an Austrian research and development project that serves as a real-world laboratory for 100% renewable energy systems. The goal of the project is to develop, test, and scale decentralized digital energy cells that enable a sustainable, resilient, and economically viable energy supply. We rely on a systemic innovation approach that interconnects local renewable generation, energy storage, intelligent control, and demand-driven utilization.
Within cells4.energy, real-world applications are examined in which energy cells function as scalable building blocks of a future-proof energy system. Each cell can operate autonomously while being connected to other energy cells—a concept inspired by natural organisms. This approach makes it possible to optimize regional energy potential, reduce grid stress, and ensure a high level of supply security.
A central element of the project is the digital control and optimization of energy flows through smart algorithms and platform solutions. This enables energy communities, prosumers, businesses, and municipalities to actively participate in the energy system. In addition to technological development, research is also being conducted on new business models, regulatory frameworks, and user acceptance.
cells4.energy is part of the cells4.energy real-world laboratory, which consists of two key pillars: the flagship project cells4.energy, where the fundamental concepts and technologies for energy cells are researched and developed, and the innovation lab act4.energy next level, which serves as a practice-oriented test environment and provides an innovation infrastructure for energy transition projects. With cells4.energy, we are creating a blueprint for the next generation of decentralized energy systems and contributing to the advancement of the energy transition technologically, economically, and socially.
Austrian Institute of Technology
APG Austrian Power Grid
Axtesys
Cancom
Eisenstadt Landeshauptstadt
Energie Kompass
Energie Netze Steiermark
Fronius
Geo5
HyCentA
Hydro
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Panasonic
Pink
Rabmer Greentech
Raiffeisenlandesbank Burgenland
Salzburg Research
University of Passau
Verbund
Viridad
The cells4.energy project takes a comprehensive approach to implementing 100% renewable, decentralized energy systems. By combining innovative technologies, digital solutions, and new business models, it addresses key challenges of the energy transition. The six core innovations of the project are:
Development of a modular, scalable concept for decentralized energy systems that intelligently link renewable generation, storage, and consumption at the local level.
Use of smart algorithms, IoT, and detailed simulations of the energy cell to maximize local renewable energy utilization, reduce grid stress, and analyze various operational strategies.
Utilization of flexibility from photovoltaics, storage, e-mobility, and thermal applications to stabilize local grids and integrate into higher-level energy markets.
Development of new market and billing mechanisms that enable the economic operation of energy cells and create incentives for local stakeholders.
Implementation and validation of developed technologies and business models in real-world test environments to evaluate the technical, economic, and social aspects of the energy transition.
Definition of standardized interfaces, use cases, and open-source approaches to ensure the transferability of the energy cell concept to different regions and applications.
The act4.energy next level innovation lab establishes and operates a comprehensive innovation infrastructure for the development and testing of decentralized energy systems. This infrastructure forms the backbone of the cells4.energy real-world laboratory and is used for research, simulations, and real-world testing within the flagship project. With digital platforms, test environments (sandboxes), and demonstration projects, act4.energy next level enables practical experiments in sector coupling, flexibility utilization, and new operational models for energy cells. Companies, research institutions, and municipalities can test and further develop innovative technologies in a real-world setting. Through its close integration with cells4.energy, the innovation lab ensures that the developed solutions are not only tested but also scalable and transferable—a crucial step toward the widespread implementation of 100% renewable energy systems.
